Read: Jacob Warren's open letter to Tennessee football fans

Fifth-year Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren penned an open letter to the Tennessee fanbase before kicking off his final season with the Vols. Here’s what Warren wrote for UTSports.com:

‘It’s football time in Tennessee.’

For Vol Nation, those words have always brought a Big Orange wave of energy and optimism to this city. For me and my teammates, those words bring a sense of urgency and excitement as we wrap up fall camp and head into a new season.

Growing up 20 minutes down the road, Tennessee was more than just a university; it was a place I had enjoyed since childhood. Memories of being with my dad, who played here, the energy of the games – all of it made UT a special spot for me. Looking back over the past 23 years of life and 17 playing football, I am so thankful for all the people I have come in contact with and everyone that has helped me get to where I’m at now.

From the beginning, my parents have encouraged me and my two brothers to just be ourselves no matter what. For me, being myself was always playing football — from flag football when I was six, to tackle football in middle school, to winning a state title for Farragut, to year six at Tennessee.

I started playing tight end in eighth grade, and my dad was more than happy to help me try to develop my pass catching skills. I truly think that I catch the ball well now and have a natural feel for it because when I was younger, all me and my dad would do was go out and throw the ball around. I still remember my first touchdown, a simple seam route across the middle. Man, I remember like it was yesterday. It clicked there, that this is something that I wanted to do. I wanted to continue to feel this feeling, that excitement of getting the ball and scoring that day. Hopefully I can chase that feeling a lot this year.

As a kid, I dreamed of playing for Tennessee. That dream started becoming a reality my junior year of high school after winning the state championship. SEC schools started offering scholarships, but it was Tennessee that I was waiting for. Once Tennessee did offer, it was Vols all the way from there.

When I came here as a freshman, I weighed in at like 208 pounds — which obviously wasn’t big enough to play in the SEC, so I had to commit to the weight room and improve my skills. And over time, I found my role in the offense, honed my mental game and built up my strengths.

I’ve also grown so much as a leader in my time here. After realizing the influence I held and finding my voice on this team, I embraced my role as a leader both on and off the field. When Coach Heupel got here, he saw potential in me both as a player and a person.

Coach Heup has led this program with respect, kindness and trust. Our team’s goals have shifted from when I first got here — from merely making a bowl game to SEC championship dreams, and it was Coach Heupel’s approach that transformed this program. It’s an honor to be part of this resurgence, to work towards these goals and to make our supporters proud.

I didn’t know if last season was going to be my last season. The memories were special, no doubt, but I couldn’t fully embrace the moment. Now, as I enter my sixth year, I will savor every moment – running through the T, the last game, the last practice, all of it. Time has flown by, and I’m ready to give my all, to showcase my skills on the field and contribute to our team’s success.

This journey has been remarkable, and what truly stands out is the embrace I’ve received from all the fans. Your unwavering support, your love for the team and your presence at every game mean the world to me and my friends — because honestly, these guys are not just my teammates, they’re my friends, my brothers, people that I really care about. We feel your energy, your passion and your pride. We’re not just playing for ourselves but for you, for our families, for our friends and for all the VFLs who have made this program what it is.

We aim to make you proud, to give you a reason to celebrate on Saturdays and to wear that T with the utmost pride. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. Let’s make this season one to remember.